Module: CRI4000-20 Crime and Disorder in Everyday Life

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Ella Simpson

Module Tutor Contact Details: ella.simpson13@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Why do people commit crime? How and why do certain acts become defined as criminal? What is the extent of crime in everyday life? How does society punish offending? This module introduces the multi-disciplinary subject of criminology which asks these fundamental questions and frames the various ways to investigate and explain crime and victimisation. Using criminal law, criminological theories and research, you will study the acts of crime which occur most often in contemporary British society, located within the wider social, cultural and political context and how people cross the line between ‘conformity’ and ‘criminality’. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the agencies, processes and systems that create ‘criminal justice’ around the problem of crime. This module will also enable you to develop skills such as self-management, team-working, problem-solving and communication that are the foundation for a career in this field.

2. Outline syllabus:

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

The concept of crime

Measurement of crime

Theories of crime and criminality

Criminal law

Volume crime

Anti-social behaviour

Substance misuse

Youth crime

Public disorder

Financial crime

Cyber crime

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, augmented by use of digital learning technologies. Lectures introduce the main content of each topic including theories, concepts, research and case studies of crime. Seminars look in more detail at selected issues and enable more in-depth learning and interactive engagement with the module syllabus.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Learning portfolio (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%